Austin Peay football rankings roundup: Where Govs stand ahead of 2026 season | ANALYSIS

The Austin Peay football team has lofty goals for 2026, and many in the national media are high on the team.

By Bryce Lazenby July 12, 2026 4:13 pm

Austin Peay State University plays MTSU on Aug. 30, 2025. (Preston Ludwick/APSU, contributed) — Clarksville NowAustin Peay State University plays MTSU on Aug. 30, 2025. (Preston Ludwick, APSU, contributed)

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Austin Peay State University football team is just over a month away from kicking off the 2026 football season. The team will begin with a home Thursday night game against Gardner-Webb on Aug. 27, and the hope is that the season opener will be the first of many wins.

We saw the Govs take some real steps forward in 2025 after a disappointing 2024 season. The 2025 squad ended with a 7-5 record and narrowly missed the FCS Playoffs. As we’ve talked about, though, it’s hard not to still see the season as a success overall. The Govs picked up their first FBS win since 1987, went undefeated at Fortera Stadium, and saw quarterback Chris Parson have one of the best single quarterback seasons in program history.

Austin Peay’s football team dropped a 45-44 overtime contest to No. 5 Tarleton State in United Athletic Conference action in the 2025 regular-season finale at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas. Photo by Knox Rives, APSU Athletics

It was a big deal to get Parson to come back for 2026, so naturally, expectations are high. With the season rapidly approaching, let’s see where the Govs are landing in some notable preseason rankings.

Preseason rankings roundup

The Govs were one of the first teams left out of the playoffs in 2025. With the team retaining many of its key playmakers, it’s not hard to see why many around the country think highly of this team. Let’s look at some respected outlets and see where they have the Govs ranked.

Jared Miller, Underdog Dynasty: 9th

“Of all the teams that didn’t qualify for the postseason in 2025, none probably have more hype surrounding them this fall than Austin Peay,” Miller explained. “The Governors bring back one of the top quarterbacks in the FCS with redshirt junior Chris Parson. Having him back makes the Govs a contender in the UAC, but they’ll need to get better in games they’re favored to win.”

Craig Haley, Opta Analyst: 14th

Haley pointed to Parson, offensive lineman Joshua Sales Jr., and tight end Jackson Head as the Govs’ key players. The veteran analyst pointed to the Tarleton State and Abilene Christian games as the games to watch, while taking note of Parson’s incredible season-ending performance against Tarleton in 2025.

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Sam Herder, HERO Sports: 14th

“(The Govs) now seemed primed to reach the postseason this fall,” said Herder. “The return of All-American quarterback Chris Parson is a large reason why, as he’s coming off an electric year. Parson has two great pass-catchers coming back in tight end Jackson Head and wide receiver Jaden Robinson.”

Stan Becton, NCAA: 12th

“Austin Peay was one of the first teams left out of the playoffs last year after an overtime loss to Tarleton State ended its regular season,” said Becton. “The Governors might not have to worry about a selection day decision in 2026 with the way this year’s team is set up.”